What is The Needle?

The changing meanings of The Needle are the inspiration for these pages. Above Alexanderplatz is Berlin's television tower. The Needle surveilled the city during East German times like a threatening eye; then its meaning changed after the Berlin Wall fell. Berliners now think of the tower as a giant disco ball flirting with the city lights––a symbol of sex, electronic music and youth culture. This weekly documents the Berlin Renaissance today, mindful of a dramatic and terrifying history. Berlin is Europe's most exciting city, and The Needle is here to share.

About the Author

Joseph Pearson is a writer, historian and local expert on Berlin, interested in how the past affects present concerns. Born in Canada, he attended a United World College and received his doctorate from Cambridge University, UK. He moved to Berlin from New York City, where he taught at Columbia University, and now lectures on his subject at New York University--Berlin. He writes for the Schaubühne theatre as an essayist, and is completing a contracted book about Berlin today in light of its history. More information can be found in the 'About' section at the top of this page. For professional inquiries please contact: needleberlin [AT] gmail.com OR joseph [AT] cantab.net.